High-Temperature DSC: AMI-made precision to 1500 °C

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Introduction

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a fundamental technique used to study phase transitions, heat

capacity, and thermal stability in materials. However, most conventional DSC systems are limited to

temperatures below 700 °C. For advanced materials research—such as ceramics, metals, high-performance

polymers, and oxides—thermal transitions often occur well above 1000 °C.

To meet this need, Advanced Measurement Instruments (AMI) has developed the DSC 1200 and DSC

1500—two high-temperature DSC systems built on a proven STA platform. This application note outlines

the advantages of using a hang-down STA-derived architecture for DSC-only measurements and highlights

the capabilities of both models for demanding thermal analysis.

Why Use an STA Platform for High-Temperature DSC?

The STA platform is typically used for simultaneous TGA/DSC measurements, but when adapted for DSC

only functionality, it offers significant advantages:

• Elimination of the microbalance simplifies the system, reduces thermal interference, and focuses

entirely on calorimetric precision.

• Hang-down geometry ensures superior thermal isolation from the furnace environment, enhancing

signal stability and minimizing baseline drift.

• A vertical lift furnace ensures consistent sample positioning and safe high-temperature operation.
• The use of high-purity platinum components and precision-machined sensor assemblies

ensures consistent sensitivity and durability at elevated temperatures.

This architecture allows AMI’s high-temperature DSC systems to achieve the same thermal range and

mechanical robustness of an STA, while offering the clarity and simplicity of a pure DSC system.

System Overview: AMI DSC 1200 / DSC 1500

AMI DSC 1200

• Temperature Range: Ambient to 1200 °C
• Heating Rate: 0.1 to 60 °C/min

AMI DSC 1500

• Temperature Range: Ambient to 1500 °C
• Heating Rate: 0.1 to 60 °C/min

Shared Features:

• Calorimetric Accuracy: ±1% (with certified standards)
• Thermocouples: Type R (sample and reference), cold-junction compensated
• DSC Sensor: Platinum-rhodium with integrated sample/reference cups
• Atmosphere Control: Static or Dynamic
• Furnace Cooling: Water-cooled with integrated safety interlocks
• Sensor Access: Tool-free access for pan replacement and calibration
• Software: InfinityPro for instrument control, method development, calibration, and real-time data

visualization

• Communications: RS-232 or USB interface
• Safety: Factory-limited lift range, over-temperature protection, and water flow alarm

Applications

AMI’s high-temperature DSC systems are ideal for advanced thermal characterization in materials that

require extended temperature range and stability. Application areas include:

• Ceramics and oxides: Phase transitions, sintering behavior, and glass crystallization
• Refractory materials: Fusion and degradation temperatures
• Metallic alloys: Solid-state transformations and oxidation
• High-performance polymers: Thermal degradation and glass transition above 600 °C
• Battery materials: Decomposition and thermal runaway characterization

The high sensitivity and stable baseline make these instruments suitable for both large enthalpic events

and subtle thermal transitions.

Figure 1. DSC curve of high-purity silver (Ag) showing a sharp endothermic peak at 961.8 °C corresponding to its

melting point.

Silver offers an excellent benchmark for high-temperature DSC calibration due to its well-defined melting

point and heat of fusion. The sharp endothermic peak at 961.8 °C illustrates the system’s sensitivity and

temperature accuracy. The flat baseline and low noise level emphasize the DSC’s thermal stability and

precision over extended high-temperature ramps.

Figure 2. DSC curve of high-purity nickel (Ni) demonstrating a strong endothermic melting peak at approximately

1455 °C

This curve demonstrates the DSC system’s capability to operate at elevated temperatures with excellent

resolution. The melting of nickel, a refractory metal, is clearly resolved even near the upper range of the

instrument’s performance. The signal clarity underscores the robustness of the sensor design and heating

system for demanding thermal analysis applications.

Advantages of a High-Temperature Hang-Down DSC

System Configuration and Installation

Each AMI DSC system is shipped with:

• Main module with vertically lifting furnace
• Dedicated DSC sensor and standard sample/reference pans
• Gas inlets
• InfinityPro software license
• Start-up accessory kit: sample holders, tools, thermocouples, communications cable
• Remote installation support, unlimited virtual training, and application support

Conclusion

The AMI DSC 1200 and DSC 1500 systems provide powerful, stable, and high-precision platforms for

thermal analysis beyond the limits of conventional DSC. By leveraging the mechanical strength and thermal

performance of STA architecture—without the complexity of a balance—AMI delivers research-grade

solutions for laboratories working at the forefront of materials science.